CircuitSeer: RTL Post-PnR Delay Prediction via Coupling Functional and Structural Representation

Register transfer level (RTL) optimization is a critical design phase that ensures timing closure and performance. Although machine learning (ML) has been utilized to quickly predict post-synthesis delay metrics, estimating post-place and route (PnR) delay remains a significant challenge. This is due to the distinct functionality-preserving characteristics of logic synthesis and the structure-dependent aspect of physical design. Furthermore, Logic Synthesis heavily restructures the netlist, resulting in substantial structural disparities that hinder capturing the post-synthesis netlist structure.